Swansea Board of Health Invites Community Members to Attend Public Health Awareness Fair

swanseamass on August 8, 2023

SWANSEA —  The Swansea Board of Health would like to invite community members to attend the town’s first Public Health Awareness Fair.

WHEN: 

Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

WHERE:

Swansea Memorial Park, 347 GAR Highway

WHAT:

The Swansea Board of Health will be hosting the Town of Swansea’s first-ever Public Health Awareness Fair.

This free event is open to the general public and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend.

As part of the event, there will be local food vendors, health fair vendors, music, free handouts, and activities for all to enjoy while learning more about health and wellness.

Event partners include Swansea Animal Control, Swansea Town Nurse, Swansea Fire Department, Swansea Police Department and Outreach Team, Swansea EMS, Swansea Free Public Library, Bristol County Mosquito Control, Southcoast Health, YMCA, and Southcoast Public Health Coalition Representatives. 

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*POSTPONED* Town of Swansea Invites Community Members to Attend Second Annual Purple Heart Day Softball Game

swanseamass on August 4, 2023

SWANSEA — Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein and Director of Veteran’s Services Kevin Serpa report that due to expected inclement weather, the Town of Swansea’s second annual Purple Heart Day softball game has been postponed.

Due to expected Inclement weather, the Town of Swansea’s second annual Purple Heart Day softball game will now take place on Friday, August 18 at Veterans Memorial Park, 347 G.A.R. Highway starting at 5:45 p.m.

Purple Heart Day will be recognized locally with a softball game between Swansea firefighters and police officers.

The event will begin with the singing of the National Anthem by Abby Medeiros and the Posting of the Colors by the American Legion Post 303 and Boy Scout Troop 303.

The first pitch will be thrown at 5:45 p.m. by Retired Army Major, Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Ronald Cabral. Cabral received a Purple Heart after being wounded in Vietnam. Cabral is a Swansea resident and Swansea’s 2023 Memorial Day Parade Marshal.

The Snack Shack will be open to the public during the game for those who would like to purchase food or drinks. Swansea’s Aroma Joe’s will be available for beverage purchases like coffee, lemonade and a popular energy drink called Rush. There will be a hot dog and ice cream truck provided by DM Goods. Informational tables will be set up for the Municipal Complex Project, Swansea’s Free Public Library and The Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

The Town of Swansea officially became a purple heart community in 2021 by a voted resolution of the Board of Selectmen. As a result, the Purple Heart trail traverses through Swansea, with signs posted throughout the Town recognizing the special distinction.

Purple Heart Day is observed each year on Aug. 7 and is a time for Americans to remember and honor the brave men and women who were wounded on the battlefield or lost their lives serving our country.

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Town of Swansea Invites Community Members to Attend Second Annual Purple Heart Day Softball Game

swanseamass on August 1, 2023

Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein and Director of Veteran’s Services Kevin Serpa eagerly invite the community to attend the Town of Swansea’s second annual Purple Heart Day softball game in honor of those wounded or killed in service.

WHEN:

Friday, Aug. 4 at 5:45 p.m.

WHERE:

Veterans Memorial Park, 347 G.A.R. Highway

WHAT:

Purple Heart Day will be recognized locally with a softball game between Swansea firefighters and police officers.

The event will begin with the singing of the National Anthem by Abby Medeiros and the Posting of the Colors by the American Legion Post 303 and Boy Scout Troop 303.

The first pitch will be thrown at 5:45 p.m. by Retired Army Major, Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Ronald Cabral. Cabral received a Purple Heart after being wounded in Vietnam. Cabral is a Swansea resident and Swansea’s 2023 Memorial Day Parade Marshal.

The Snack Shack will be open to the public during the game for those who would like to purchase food or drinks. Swansea’s Aroma Joe’s will be available for beverage purchases like coffee, lemonade and a popular energy drink called Rush. There will be a hot dog and ice cream truck provided by DM Goods. Informational tables will be set up for the Municipal Complex Project, Swansea’s Free Public Library and The Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

The Town of Swansea officially became a purple heart community in 2021 by a voted resolution of the Board of Selectmen. As a result the Purple Heart trail traverses through Swansea, with signs posted throughout the Town recognizing the special distinction.

Purple Heart Day is observed each year on Aug. 7 and is a time for Americans to remember and honor the brave men and women who were wounded on the battlefield or lost their lives serving our country.

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Swansea Board of Health Reports Sandy Beach and Cedar Cove Are Closed Due to Elevated Bacteria Levels

swanseamass on July 26, 2023

SWANSEA — The Swansea Board of Health reports that elevated bacteria levels have led to the closure of Sandy Beach and Cedar Cove.

On Tuesday, July 25, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified the Town of Swansea that elevated bacterial levels detected at Sandy Beach and Cedar Cove necessitate closure of both beaches.

The beaches will reopen when testing shows levels within the State’s allowable limit.

The Swansea Board of Health tests all public and semi-public beaches weekly throughout the summer. While this week’s test for Sandy Beach and Cedar Cove came back within the allowable limits set by the state, the running average of bacterial levels for the last five tests exceeded the state standard.

Signage has been placed at the entrances and parking lots of the public beaches to inform beachgoers of these closures.

Sandy Beach and Cedar Cove will be reopening as soon as bacteria levels return to acceptable levels.

Updates about beach openings and closures can be found on the Town of Swansea’s Facebook page and the town’s website.

At this time, Swansea Town Beach, Coles River Club, and Leeside Club remain open to the public for swimming.

The State’s beach testing program monitors over 1,100 public and semi-public beaches in Massachusetts to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers and prevent pathogens spread by contamination. Indicator organisms, which are specific bacteria that resemble harmful pathogens, are used to predict the presence of these pathogens. In Massachusetts, the presence of Enterococci and E. coli bacteria is monitored in beach waters.

Bacteria can enter beach water through various sources, including stormwater runoff, malfunctioning septic systems, sewer overflows, wildlife and pet waste, and agricultural runoff. Swimming in water contaminated with bacteria can lead to gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological, eye, and ear symptoms, and in some cases, more serious illnesses. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Frequent rain, such as has occurred this season, can lead to beach closures.

For more information, residents can contact the Swansea Board of Health at 508-674-5731.

The Town of Swansea will provide updated information regarding the status of the town’s beaches as it becomes available.

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Swansea Fire Department Reminds Residents of Important Preparedness Activities During Hurricane Preparedness Week

swanseamass on July 14, 2023

SWANSEA — Chief Eric Hajder and the Swansea Fire Department wish to share guidance on hurricane awareness and preparedness this season.

Gov. Maura Healey has proclaimed July 9-15 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Massachusetts, which recognizes the importance of preparing for the impact of extreme weather.

June 1 marked the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through Nov. 30. Most hurricanes and tropical storms that impact New England occur during late August and September, and residents are encouraged to prepare early.

Hurricanes can bring many types of wind and water hazards, including storm surges, strong winds and flooding. The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer several tips to help residents better prepare for extreme weather should it occur.

Know Your Evacuation Zone: Learn if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone. The best action to protect yourself and your family from the flooding and high winds caused by hurricanes is to evacuate when ordered to do so, before those conditions hit your area. Know and follow the directions from local officials for community evacuation and follow posted evacuation routes.

Visit www.mass.gov/knowyourzone to learn if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone. If you live in an area that may flood and may need assistance evacuating, plan with family, neighbors, and friends who may be able to assist, and contact your local public safety officials to make them aware of your needs.

Make an Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan for how your family would communicate, evacuate and shelter in place should there be an emergency. An emergency plan should address the specific needs of all of your family members and those you are responsible for. Steps to making an emergency plan include the following:

  • Discuss the questions below with your family, friends, or household:
    • How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
    • What is my shelter plan?
    • What is my evacuation route?
    • What is my family/household communication plan?
  • Consider specific needs for everyone in your household, including seniors, children, individuals with access and functional needs, and pets. Dietary needs, medical needs including prescriptions and equipment, disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment, and cultural and religious considerations should all be taken into account when creating an emergency plan.
  • Fill out a Family Emergency Plan. A sample plan can be found here.
  • Practice your plan with your family/household.

Build an Emergency Kit: Build an emergency kit that will sustain your household for 3-5 days without power. A basic emergency supply kit might include the following recommended items:

  • Food and water
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes
  • Prescription and non-prescription medications
  • Eyeglasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes
  • Important family documents, and cash or traveler’s checks
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Prepare Your Home: You can improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane conditions. Consider cutting weak branches and trees that could fall on your house. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home, and move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks and building material inside or under shelter. Keep drains, gutters and downspouts clear of debris. Cover up windows and doors by using storm shutters or pieces of plywood. Secure all doors on your property and find a safe location for your vehicle.

Stay Informed: Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, social and traditional news media, and local notification systems.

The Commonwealth’s 2-1-1 hotline is available 24×7 for non-emergency assistance. It is available with translation in more than 150 languages and can be accessed via video relay services.

For more information on hurricane planning, click here.

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Town of Swansea Invites Public to Attend Meeting to Learn More About Hazard Mitigation Plan Updates

swanseamass on July 14, 2023

SWANSEA — Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein and Swansea’s Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee are asking for the public’s help in completing the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Swansea’s Hazard Mitigation Plan will serve as a strategy for reducing current and future risks of natural hazards and climate change. As part of the creation process, the public is invited to share their ideas for reducing impacts associated with natural hazards and to learn about the updated plan during an upcoming meeting.

WHEN:

Tuesday, July 25 from 6-7 p.m.

WHERE:

Town of Swansea Council on Aging, 260 Ocean Grove Ave.

Community members can also access the meeting via Zoom.

  • Meeting ID: 820 2477 1232
  • Passcode: 833567

WHAT:

At the meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the plan and hazard mitigation, with a focus on mitigation actions. Attendees also have an opportunity to contribute their thoughts about how the Town can mitigate risk and will be shown what to expect when reviewing the draft plan.

The plan is being developed by a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee comprised of town leaders and local stakeholders. Jamie Caplan Consulting LLC, a Northampton-based firm, is leading this effort on behalf of the Town and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA approval and town-wide adaptation of the Hazard Mitigation plan is required to apply for pre and post-disaster hazard mitigation grant funds.

Swansea developed a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) plan in 2018 that identified possible actions to mitigate risks to natural hazards and climate change in town. The Hazard Mitigation Plan will include all of the identified actions from the MVP that are still relevant today.

For questions regarding this project, please contact the Selectmen’s Office at 508-678-2981 Option 5.

 

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Town of Swansea Offers First Tax Increment Financing to Isabellenhuette USA

swanseamass on July 11, 2023

SWANSEA — Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein is pleased to announce that the Town of Swansea recently offered its first Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to Isabellenhuette USA.

A TIF is a financial incentive for businesses that allows for a reduction in taxes on new capital investments over a period of time, enabling a company to remain in town and expand its operations.

“By offering this TIF, we are indicating that Swansea is open for business,” said Community Development Director John Hansen. “It adds another tool to our toolbox for attracting and retaining businesses.” 

The 10-year TIF, valued at over $150,000, was approved by the Town of Swansea in May for Isabellenhuette USA’s capital investment project.

Isabellenhuette USA purchased a building and land in Swansea and began planning renovations in June. The company will create 14 new well-paying professional jobs, retain 11 existing jobs and make a private investment of $3.2 million dollars. 

“We are so appreciative of the support we have received from both the Town of Swansea and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development,” said Isabellenhuette USA President Uwe Keller. “We are excited to move ahead with the expansion of our facilities, and to continue our growth here in Swansea.”

Additionally, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved $100,000 in tax credits for Isabellenhuette USA through its Economic Development Incentive Program.

The Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) is designed to foster job creation and stimulate business growth. A company that participates in EDIP may receive state tax credits and/or local property tax incentives in exchange for a commitment to new job creation, existing job retention, and private investment in the project.

“The Economic Development Incentive Program is an important tool to boost job creation and business growth in cities and towns across the state,” said Economic Development Undersecretary Ashley Stolba. “We’re excited that the EDIP program and local support from Swansea will help Isabellenhuette USA expand its operations, add new jobs, and spur economic activity in the community.”

The Town of Swansea encourages businesses seeking a TIF to contact Community Development Director John Hansen via email at jhansen@swanseama.gov. or call 508-674-5731 ext. 6

“The Town is thrilled that we were able to retain this business and also support its expansion,” said Town Administrator Aronstein. “We are happy to be a host community to Isabellenhuette and other local businesses that contribute towards the betterment of Swansea and all that it has to offer.”

Isabellenhuette USA

Isabellenhuette USA, located at 1199 GAR Highway, is a producer of precision thermoelectric and resistance alloys, passive electronic components, and current measurement sensors. The products are sold in the automotive, aerospace, medical and energy markets. The company sells, stocks, and distributes products manufactured at its headquarters in Germany. To learn more about Isabellenhuette USA, click here. 

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